A PACKED house at Widnes’ Select Security Stadium were blown away by pop superstar Sir Elton John like a candle in the wind tonight.

Just months after nearly dying from a rare infection the 70-year-old performed his greatest hits with amazing gusto to leave the crowd in raptures.

Passers-by would have been forgiven for thinking Widnes had just been crowned Super League champions, such was the noise bellowing out of the stadium.

Elton thoroughly deserved the thunderous clapping and cheering from the 13,000 music lovers crammed into the ground following his stonking non-stop two-hour show in glorious sunshine.

The iconic singer-songwriter has always been an amazing live performer, with his imperious piano playing, velvet voice and back catalogue of hits that leaves only but a handful of music gods in the shade.

But to still be performing to the very highest standard as a pensioner further enhances his status as one of the country’s favourite and most impressive sons.

He is much more than still standing, and the same goes for his evergreen band.

The people of Widnes certainly showed their admiration and appreciation, particularly when the living legend paid a heartfelt tribute to the victims of the recent terror attacks in London and Manchester as well as the Grenfell Tower fire in the capital.

There was a similar response when Elton spoke of the deaths of a series of other music legends over the past year, singling out George Michael for special praise.

You could certainly feel the love tonight.

Although the event was part of Elton’s worldwide Wonderful Crazy Night tour, there were only two songs played from his new album of the same name.

Elton is renowned for wanting to keep his fans happy, so it was no surprise to see him belt out pretty much all his biggest hits.

Rocket Man, Your Song, Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, I’m Still Standing, Bennie and the Jets and Crocodile Rock were all on the set list, with the only disappointment being that none of the songs he wrote for The Lion King featured.

But that is nitpicking. Elton, who started his fruitful song-writing partnership with Bernie Taupin 50 years ago, is surely the biggest star to ever perform in Widnes.

No one close to his calibre has performed in the town since the Stone Roses’ concert at Spike Island in 1990.

It was an unmissable show, whether you are an avid Elton fan or not.

No one can question the standard of the musicianship on show, with Elton’s impromptu piano solos particular highlights, and we may have to wait another 27 years before having the chance to be entertained by a true great again.

And the number of living music legends are dwindling, with the likes of David Bowie and Prince having joined George Michael in shuffling off this mortal coil in recent times.

Tonight’s support act was worth getting in early for as well, with British singer-songwriter Jake Isaac providing a fitting hors d’oeuvre.

Security was ultra vigilant, as you would expect following recent atrocities.

Still it felt odd having to go past armed police and undergo airport-like security checks to get into Widnes Vikings’ home ground.

It is sad how times have changed in that regard.

What will seemingly never change is Elton’s love of music and entertaining.

Judging by the bouncing atmosphere, everyone in the stadium was grateful for that after a thoroughly enjoyable and historic night in Widnes.